Do royal guards get fired for smiling?

The royal guard took to Reddit to clear up 'a lot of false info and myths about what we do'. And this included the infamous no laughing or smiling while on duty rule - turns out that the guard cracking a smile in the video would not get him fired, though he might get a 'telling off'.

What happens if a Royal Guard smiles?

Do royal guards get fined for laughing? The Queen's guards are expected to act with discipline, which explains the lifeless expressions during sentry. The guards' pay is dependent on upholding this etiquette, if they're caught smiling or laughing on duty, they can be fined up to £200.

What are the royal guards not allowed to do?

Traditionally the Queen's Guards are not allowed to move. Typically, a Guardsman spends two hours on duty and four off. He is not expected to stand still for any more than ten minutes at a time. Every so often, he will march up and down in front of his sentry box, rather like a policeman "walking the beat".

What happens if a Royal Guard needs to pee?

Those big hats or 'Bearskins' are actually made of sponge and by means of a discreet pipe and pump arrangement are able to absorb over a gallon of urine. The 'furry' outer layer then evaporates the urine and this can go on for several days until a standard British rainstorm washes them off.

What happens if you touch the queens guard?

In fact you could be arrested for it.

They are soldiers on duty guarding the Queen, and touching them without permission constitutes an assault. However, they would normally shout a warning at you first, then present their bayonets towards you.

Officer SHOUTS at The King’s Guards!

Are the Queens Guards allowed to shout?

There are circumstances in which they are allowed to speak…

Guards “are allowed to get [people] away by shouting… warnings if they fail to move away or start to act aggressively,” the Reddit guard says. For instance, they're known to yell “make way for the Queen's Guard!” at tourists who get in their way.

Are the Queen's Guards guns loaded?

Those guns aren't loaded…

The Guard's intimidating weapons only have ammo in them when they are aware of a potential serious security threat.

Can the queens guard talk to the queen?

Although we'd be forgiven for believing that the Queen's guards have taken a vow of silence while in post, they can indeed speak on some occasions. Although we do not recommend provoking them to do so, the can speak (or more specifically yell) if visitors come to close to them or acts aggressively.

Are there any black royal guards?

The first black man to join an elite regiment that guarded the late Queen says writing a book about his experiences was "a coping mechanism" for the racism he faced.

Why do queens guards shout?

A spokesperson said: 'This area is particularly busy with tourists and on occasions the soldiers undertaking Guard duty need to shout loudly to alert members of the public if they get too close to the horses, which happened in this case.

Why can't royal guards move?

However, contrary to popular belief, these soldiers are permitted to move (and do so regularly, even when just on guard duty and not on parade) and in certain circumstances do react to hecklers or the like.

Can the Royal Guards fight?

As some of the best soldiers in the British Army guardsmen have fought in virtually every major area of conflict with great distinction since the 17th Century. The guards do not just perform ceremonial duties at Buckingham Palace, they also take an active role in protecting their Sovereign.

How much is a queens guard paid?

The Queen's Guards are employed by the British Army, so how much they get paid is dependent on their rank. The average salary for a soldier in the UK is £20,400 per annum.

Can the Queen's Guard be female?

Women and the Guard

In April 2007, the first women from a British Army unit served on detachments of the Queen's Guard, when the King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery took over the guard at Windsor Castle, and the Army Air Corps took on public duties in London.

Do royal guards have emotions?

Being a Queen's Guard is a tough gig and isn't for everyone, as they are not allowed to laugh or show any emotion while on duty.

Are Royal Guards force sensitive?

An added advantage to these guardsmen was the fact that they were Force-sensitive soldiers who were trained to use the dark side of the Force. The highest ranking position within the Royal Guard consisted of elite warriors that were Force-sensitive known as the Imperial Sovereign Protectors.

Are Royal Guards elite soldiers?

They often are an elite unit of the regular armed forces, or are designated as such, and may maintain special rights or privileges.

What guns do the Queen's Guard have?

SA80 (L85A2)

These are the British Army's standard combat weapons. Made by Heckler and Koch, they fire NATO standard 5.56 x 45mm ammunition.

How long do the Queen's guards stand for?

Post Procedure For The Guards

The guards at Buckingham Palace and St James Palace are on duty for 24 or 48 hours. During that time a Guardsman will have 2 hours on sentry duty and then 4 hours off.

Can the Queen tell the army what to do?

Head of the Army

When soldiers join the British Army they swear an Oath of Allegiance not to the government of the day, but to the King and his successors. However, ultimate authority on the Army's deployment and use rests with Parliament and 'the people'.

What do royal guards shout?

There are circumstances in which they are allowed to speak… Guards “are allowed to get [people] away by shouting… warnings if they fail to move away or start to act aggressively,” the Reddit guard says. For instance, they're known to yell “make way for the Queen's Guard!” at tourists who get in their way.

Does the army answer to the Queen?

As Sovereign, The Queen is Head of the Armed Forces, and is also the wife, mother and grandmother of individuals having served in the Forces.

Why do British guards wear furry hats?

Answer: The origins are that every gunner in the British military and the French military wore bearskin caps to make them taller and more intimidating because they were the ones that did the hand to hand fighting.

Can Queen's Guard stop?

You just can't move

While on duty, Queen's Guards are not supposed to move or respond to anything that the tourists may throw at them. However, the rules indicate that after being still for at least 10 minutes, they can march up and down the street in order to stretch their legs and avoid passing out.

Do the Queens guards get bathroom breaks?

There are no bathroom breaks, ever.

During their shifts guarding the sentry posts, it's not true that the guards have to stay completely still (they march a short distance from time to time). What is true is that they can never leave their post.